Concerns over the health of trees have forced the State Parks and Recreation Commission to close the campground at Kopachuck State Park.

The campground at the Gig Harbor park will not be open for the Memorial Day holiday weekend.

Park staff members have noticed a gradual but growing pattern of dying trees in the campground, said a State Parks news release. Assistance was requested from Department of Natural Resources pathologists to help determine the extent of the problem and treatment options.

Tree pathogens, in particular laminated root rot, have been found throughout the campground and adjacent forest. This pathogen can cause trees to fail with little or no warning. The root rot must be treated now to prevent aging trees from rapidly dying.